The claim that mucus is the ‘one and only disease' is false

What’s the claim

In a reel circulating on Facebook, Alfredo Darrington Bowman, also known as Dr. Sebi, claims that mucus is the source of all illnesses. In the video, (archive here), Dr. Sebi can be seen sharing his discussion at the judicial hearing about "mucus" and linking it to the cause of all diseases.

The reel has garnered more than 300 likes and has been shared about 100 times. Numerous other posts sharing this claim have been shared widely across social media platforms. One TikTok video received over 8,000 views. Archived versions of such posts can be found here, here, here, and here.

Screenshots of claims made online (Source: Facebook/Screenshots/Modified by Logically Facts)

However, the claim has no scientific basis.

Dr. Sebi is known for promoting controversial alternative healing practices. According to an article by the Telegraph, he was a self-proclaimed herbalist who lacked a medical degree or a Ph.D. He was arrested and accused by New York State of practicing medicine without a license, their article added. Dr. Sebi was reported dead in police detention in 2016.

What are the facts?

Mucus is naturally produced by various tissues in the human body, including the mucous membrane, digestive system, cervix, and urinary tract. Mucus acts as a filter for irritants such as dust, bacteria, smoke, and allergens and contains natural antibodies and enzymes to help fight off bacteria and infections, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. According to Health Line, excessive mucus production can be a symptom of various illnesses like respiratory infections, allergies, and sinusitis.

Leah Reznikov, an associate Professor of Physiological Sciences at the University of Florida, told Logically Facts, "There is no singular cause for all diseases. In some conditions where Mucus is a problem, there is often inflammation. Mucus is not the cause of all diseases."

Mucus is a symptom, not a cause

Contrary to the claims made in the viral video, while too much mucus production can be a symptom of certain diseases, it is not the root cause of all diseases or illnesses. Diseases have various causes, including infectious agents like bacteria and viruses, genetic factors, and environmental influences.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, bronchitis and pneumonia are caused by a bacterial infection. For these diseases, mucus is just a symptom and not the root cause of the illness.

According to AIDS Map, people with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to respiratory infections, causing the release of more mucus. It should also be noted that a virus causes HIV, and mucus is just a sign of infection or inflammation, which is not always life-threatening.

In each of these conditions, the relationship between the mucus and the disease is primarily a response of the body to infection or inflammation. According to the National Medicine Library, “The mechanical clearance of mucus is considered the primary innate airway defense mechanism.” 

 This claim is part of Sebi's promotion of an ‘alkaline diet,’ which concentrates on plant-based foods and claims to treat AIDS and cancer. However, there is no evidence alkaline diets cure diseases. Logically Facts has debunked these claims made by Sebi.

The verdict

Mucus is typically a symptom of an illness or a response of the body to disease or irritation rather than a cause of the disease itself. It is crucial in protecting the body from infections, maintaining moisture, and supporting various bodily functions.